Cost Of A DIY Van Build- How Much?
Hey there! If you're thinking about converting a van into a camper, be prepared for a bit of a financial adventure! The cost can vary a lot, but you're looking at anywhere from £2,000 to £20,000+. Of course, the bigger and more custom your build, the higher the cost.
Costs include- the van itself, materials (like insulation and electrical systems), furniture, and any extra features (like solar panels), and it all adds up!
Now, doing it yourself can save some money on labor costs, but don't forget about the cost of tools and supplies. It's important to plan your budget carefully and prioritise expenses to make sure your DIY camper van conversion is both affordable and enjoyable. And remember, the final cost will depend on your personal needs and preferences, so have fun with it!
Our Costs
Firstly I think it's important to tell you that we were trying to do it on a budget, however also wanted a fully functioning home on wheels. Our van build took around a year due to us running out of money and then having to save for materials, this happened on repeat until it was finally complete!
So let's get into how much we spent...
The Vehicle- 2006 LDV Maxus, LWB High Roof= £5200
Before ripping out the interior and starting again, we bought our van already converted and during a peak of camper van interest meaning it was a fairly expensive market. I'm sure as of writing this you would be able to get a much cheaper deal! Here is our guide on how to find the right van for you-
Supplies (Screws, Plywood, Insulation, Paint, Sealant, etc.)= £846.23
We were able keep this cost fairly low due to using ply wood to build everything- from walls and ceilings to seats and kitchen work tops. No fancy materials were used!
Appliances Total= £1171.98
Shower Tray- £52.70
Roof Vent 1- £111.50
Roof Vent 2- £115.00
Oven- £25 (we got it given but bought some whiskey as a thank you)
Sink- £75.94
Foot Pump- £35.89
Fridge- £519.95
Porta Potti- £86
Mattress- £150
These appliances soon added up (mainly due to the fridge), but we did make sure to do plenty or research and shop around for some good deals.
Decoration Total= £437.89
This part of the costs is very subjective. If it was up to me(Tom) the total for decoration would have been about £4.57. However if Lauren had it her way, it would have been roughly £985.44! In other words, its entirely up to you how much you would like to decorate your home.
Grand Total= £7655.90
Honestly, we felt like this amount of money has been completely worth it for the adventures we have already had. Not to mention our Europe road trip plans for this year.
However, please bear in mind the cost of running the van(M.O.T's, repairs, insurances etc.) It might be a good idea to save some budget for this, especially when an M.O.T is around the corner!
You can watch our full van tour here-